As I mentioned in the match thread, Monday was my first ever experience of a Charlton match. Living in Lincolnshire, playing myself and being the only Charlton fan I know, I've just never had the opportunity/drive to get down to the Valley. A combination of a lovely birthday present (back in October!), a knee ligament injury and a few days off, Monday was finally the right time to make my Valley debut along with my girlfriend. My journey started at 10am as I got on the bus to Peterborough, and despite getting a bit lost at London Bridge station, we arrived at Charlton nice and early at 1.20pm We picked up some tickets in the North Upper (G Block - only available) at a bargain price of £16 each. An unfruitful look in the club shop, and a bag of chips around the corner and we must have been the first into the stadium. I was really impressed by the noise of the Charlton fans, the first chant almost deafened me, it was brilliant! And despite never going, I was singing along, and my girlfriend even joined in with a chant of "you're sh1t, aaaaahh" at the goalkeeper, which was a surprise! I thought we started brightly, with Walsall threatening on the counter. You could tell early on that a point was enough for them, which was why it was important we got the goal when we did. We didn't play brilliantly, but got the points which was all that matters. I thought I'd do my player ratings and opinions (based on this one game) Ben Hamer - 6.5 - looks the part and made no mistakes - didn't like the way he put his hands outstretched everytime he rifled his dropkicks into touch Chris Solly - 8 - Quality little player, how many times did he turn the winger inside out and come away with the ball. Very impressed Michael Morrison - 7 - Made a mistake, but not sure if he got a shout, and we got away with it. Solid Leon Cort - 8.5 - Very impressed. To think he has sat on the bench all year, he was an absolute rock at the back. My man of the match. Rhoys Wiggins - 6.5 - Looked a bit tired (probably from Saturday) but still did ok. Probably my favourite player at the moment. Dany N'Guessan - 7.5 - Again very impressed, had a great first half, scored a good goal, and was a constant threat. I thought he tracked back well even in the second half when he tired. Hope we make his move permanent based on Monday's showing. Bradley Pritchard - 6.5 - Thought he had a poor first half, but was very good in the second half chasing around and showing brilliant energy. Seems to be a better player off the ball, than on it. Dale Stephens - 6.5 - After about 55/60 mins, I was thinking what a good player he was, before a couple of times when he gave the ball away. Still think he has a lot of potential, and carries himself on the field like a league 1 Steven Gerrard. Johnnie Jackson - 7 - A good captain, and looked good with the ball at his feet. Solid game. Yann Kermorgant - 6.5 - Spent half of the first half rolling around, but to his credit he cracked on and looked good with the ball at feet, and won some nice flick-ons. I play a similar roll for my team and defenders don't like it, so you end up getting your fair share of kicks and elbows! Class player Bradley Wright-Phillips - 5.5 - Had a poor game. Looks well short of confidence and always looking for that extra touch. Just not his day subs: Danny Haynes - Looked sharp, and a good player to have. Bags of pace and flair. Lee Cook - Not on for long enough to make a fair analysis. Matt Taylor - see above. Fans were brilliant throughout. Charlton ran out of steam a bit in the second half but the fans never got on their backs which was good to see. It was also nice of both of the Walsall fans to show up, especially after they criticised our away support in the reverse fixture. Sorry to go on, but hope you might appreciate the update, and hopefully it won't be another 25 years before my next game! Loved the whole day! Cheers Ben
Glad to see you enjoyed the game - Seeing we didnt lose when you turned up your more than welcome to come again
Well done for coming Ben I'm glad you enjoyed your time at The Valley and I hope you join us in The Covered End again soon
